Kingston Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Kingston

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Cozy Accommodations - Dorchester City Line

The Dorchester 2 - 8 Norwood Ave. | Kingston, JM

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Cozy Accommodations

Kensington Court 11 Kensington Crescent Apt. 612 | Kingston, JM

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Terra Nova BW Premier Collection

17 Waterloo Rd | Kingston, JMAKN03, JM

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Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal

Port Royal | Kingston, KINGSTON, JM

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Kingston Airport bed and breakfast

14 Fernandez Avenue | Kingston, JM

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

English and Jamaican Patois

Local currency

JMD (JMD)

Local time

19:05 (GMT-5)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

New Kingston

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Expected for good service, 10-15%.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 50 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Jerk Chicken Ackee and Saltfish Jamaican Patties Festival

When to visit Kingston

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: February, March Busiest: Dec-Apr

Jan

75

Dry, pleasant, cooler
Feb

80

Dry, sunny, ideal
Mar

80

Dry, sunny, warm
Apr

70

Warm, some showers
May

60

Start of rainy season
Jun

55

Hot, humid, rainy
Jul

50

Hot, humid, rainy
Aug

50

Hot, humid, rainy
Sept

45

Peak hurricane season
Oct

50

Rainy, hurricane risk
Nov

65

Less rain, warmer
Dec

70

Dry season begins

75

Jan Dry, pleasant, cooler

80

Feb Dry, sunny, ideal

80

Mar Dry, sunny, warm

70

Apr Warm, some showers

60

May Start of rainy season

55

Jun Hot, humid, rainy

50

Jul Hot, humid, rainy

50

Aug Hot, humid, rainy

45

Sept Peak hurricane season

50

Oct Rainy, hurricane risk

65

Nov Less rain, warmer

70

Dec Dry season begins

Things to do in Kingston

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

National Gallery of Jamaica

Downtown Kingston 1.5 hrs

Discover a rich collection of Jamaican art from pre-Columbian to contemporary.

Indoors Good for children

Blue Mountains Coffee Tour

Blue Mountains 6 hrs

Hike through lush mountains and sample world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee.

Outdoors

Trench Town Culture Yard

Trench Town 2 hrs

See where Bob Marley and other reggae stars began their musical journeys.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Devon House

Half Way Tree 2 hrs

Tour a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion and enjoy famous ice cream.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Dub Club

Jack's Hill 4 hrs

Experience authentic Sunday night reggae vibes with panoramic city views.

Outdoors

Any time of day

2 places

Bob Marley Museum

Trench Town 2.5 hrs

Explore the former home and studio of the reggae legend.

Indoors Good for children

Port Royal Exploration

Port Royal 4 hrs

Visit the historic 'wickedest city on Earth,' once a pirate stronghold.

Outdoors Good for children

Kingston itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Kingston — First-Timer Highlights

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Jamaica, from reggae legends to historic sites.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors eager to experience Kingston's essential cultural, historical, and culinary highlights. Explore iconic museums, historic estates, and enjoy authentic Jamaican flavors, offering a comprehensive introduction to the island's capital.

3 Days 12 Stops

See the full plan